GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ACT OF 1919

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ACT OF 1919 Also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Act after Edwin Montagu, secretary of state for India in the British Cabinet, and Lord Chelmsford, the British viceroy of India The Government of India Act of 1919 granted the Indians somewhat greater participation in managing their affairs by creating two legislative houses In both houses-the Council of State and the Central Legislative Assembly-elected Indian representatives constituted a majority The viceroy, however, who was nominated by the British government in London, had the final authority The viceroy could appoint a cabinet of seven members, called the Executive Council, three of whom were Indians This structure was repeated at the provincial level, with Indians constituting a majority in the legislative councils The Act allowed the provinces some autonomy in decision-making See also DYARCHY